Two FAMU Students Selected as American Heart Association Scholars

Jazlyn Byrd (left) and Shelecia Reid (right)

Two Florida A&M University (FAMU) students, Jazlyn Byrd and Shelecia Reid, have been selected for the American Heart Association (AHA) Scholars Program at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

In 2021, Quest Diagnostics supported FAMU inaugural scholars Sapphire Holston and Kerstyn Russell. Quest is again supporting scholars Byrd and Reid, according to Charlene Walton, M.D., director, HBCU Scholars Program and Collegiate Diversity Partnerships Health Strategies, Southeast Region American Heart Association.

“We are honored and excited to play a role in their development as future biomedical, health science and public health leaders,” Walton said.

Byrd is a junior biology/pre-med student from Tallahassee. She’s a Dean’s List scholar, a member of the Pre-Med Program, Teaching Our Youth Science, and National Council of Negro Women. Byrd placed third overall out of 10 undergraduate students and two graduate students with this research completed at FAMU. She is working hard to pursue her goal of becoming an anesthesiologist and “looks forward to building professional bonds with her fellow scholars.”

Reid is a junior biology student from Lauderhill, Fla. She earned a place on the President’s Honor Roll and Dean’s Honor Roll and is a Florida Medallion Scholar and a Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Scholarship Recipient. Her memberships include the National Society of Black Women in Medicine, Big Sister Little Sister Mentoring Program, Caribbean Student Association, and Ardent Volunteer under the guidance of the FAMU Efferson Student Union. Reid is determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a dermatologist. 

Both students are mentored by Sylvie Naar, Ph.D., Ph.D., Distinguished and Endowed professor, Department of Behavioral Science and Social Medicine, Florida State University College. 

Scholars will participate in an academic-year research experience designed to increase awareness and opportunities in professional research, science, and public health careers.  They will also engage in virtual leadership workshops to enhance critical skills necessary for success in post-graduate degree programs.  

In addition, Quest’s support will allow scholars to attend the AHA’s International Scientific Sessions, the largest cardiovascular disease conference in the world, which takes place November 5-7, 2022, in Chicago, as well as our annual HBCU Scholars Research Symposium in Durham on April 11-12, 2023.  Byrd and Reid will receive a stipend from Quest for their participation in the program, which began September 15.